CHERRY TREE let their lead at the top of the Jennings Ribblesdale League slip as they went down to defeat at the hands of Padiham.

Indian professional Ajay Sharma did the damage scoring 65 with the bat as his side chased Cherry Tree's total of 173-8.

The win took Padiham into top spot with 37 points level with Great Harwood who captured a superb victory over Clitheroe.

The Ribblesdale club's professional Dexter Fitton took 5-57 as Great Harwood reached 154-8, but Paul Newton struck with a six wicket performance as Clitheroe were shot out for 129.

Read professional Peter Sleep did the damage with both bat and ball as his side took a six wicket victory over Padiham.

He captured five wickets for 50 runs as Baxenden were restricted to 122-8 and scored 65 as his side reached victory.

Barnoldswick kept their winning run going with Ian Scothern top scoring on 44 and professional Mark Temple took 3-25 as Blackburn Northern were held at 124-9.

Ribblesdale Wanderers beat Edenfield by four wickets with Graham Monk taking 4-30. Edenfield held on at 119-9 and Ribblesdale reached victory with six wickets down.

Earby professional Jonathan Harvey scored an impressive 70 not out and was backed up by a half century from Matthew Plant as they secured a seven wicket win against Whalley.

Kevin Read scored 71 not out for the home side.

Settle took maximum points in their match with Oswaldtwistle Immanuel who were dismissed for 96 with David Jolleys taking 6-32.

The Dales side did not find the going easy and had seven wickets down when they reached victory. Scores: Barnoldswick 143-4 (5), Blackburn Northern 124-9 (0); Cherry Tree 173-8 (0), Padiham 177-6 (5); Clitheroe 129 (0), Great Harwood 154-8 (7); Ribblesdale Wanderers 123-6 (5), Edenfield 119-9 (0); Whalley 168-3 (0), Earby 171-3 (5); Settle 97-7 (7), Oswaldtwistle 96 (0); Read 125-4 (5), Baxenden 122-8 (0)